On April 9, the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will co-host the First Sigma Stroll Off at 8 p.m. at the West Circle near the Don Taft University Center to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation, the sorority’s charity.
Isaiah Jones, junior business administration major and secretary of the fraternity, said the Stroll Off will feature stepping and strolling, a structured dance. The organizations were inspired to do a Stroll Off after hearing about a similar one held at the University of Miami. Jones will be stepping with other members of the fraternity at the Stroll Off.
“It’s about all organizations coming out to support one another,” Jones said. “In addition to that, [it’s] so students can see what Greek life is about and see what different organizations do.”
Tanvi Patel, recruitment and sisterhood chair for the sorority and junior business administration major, said the sorority’s goal is to raise $1,913.14 because the sorority was founded in 1913 and the fraternity was founded in 1914.
“We’re excited,” Patel said. “We want to reach our goal, and we’re hoping to get a good outcome.”
Any step group can participate in the Stroll Off by paying $20. The group that wins first prize will win a trophy. The sorority will also sell Greek spirit cuffs and give a portion of the profits to charity. Attendees can also donate to the organization and purchase raffle tickets. Patel said there will be free food and drinks at the Stroll Off.
The Stroll Off is the culminating event of the sorority’s fundraiser for the foundation. The sorority also started tabling to raise money twice a week in the Don Taft University Center on the week of March 21 and will continue until the week of the Stroll Off.
Also part of this fundraising effort is Phi Sigma Sigma’s annual Rockathon at the Don Taft University Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 31. Patel said the Rockathon features the sorority members sitting in rocking chairs. This year, the members will rock in high heels.
“We love shoes,” Patel said. “We feel that everything we do, we want to add our personality.”
The sorority also has a personal reason to help the National Kidney Foundation. Alexandra Pagan, freshman communication studies major and philanthropy chair of the sorority, has been a kidney patient since she was 13.
“Doing an event for people who have the same or different condition is special for me,” Pagan said.
Patel said one reason she was excited about the events is because of Pagan.
“She’s gotten stuff done on her own, and it’s made me want to do even more,” she said. “I want to do it because I want to help.”
Patel and Pagan said the events are open to non-Greeks as well.
“It’s a good opportunity to get involved and meet people and have fun,” Pagan said.
